NOW SHOWING

AIDA ABRIDGED

directed by GREG HOMANN with CLINT LESCH, LEN-BARRY SIMONS and WESSEL ODENDAAL on the piano.

The Auto & General Theatre on the Square is proud to present, as its opening production for 2019, a reduced take on the epic opera, AIDA.AIDA ABRIDGED boasts now, a cast of two and a pianist! The production opens with previews from the 11th January.

Verdi's most famous opera, often staged with a company of 200 singers, is reimagined for a talented cast of two men. The epic story of love and loyalty gets a serious downsize in this wacky and outlandish version directed by multi-award winner, GREG HOMANN. With inventive staging and the strong vocal talent from CLINT LESCH and LEN-BARRY SIMONS, with WESSEL ODENDAAL on the piano, AIDA ABRIDGED is a fresh and fun take on an operatic classic.

The dynamic and versatile duo of Lesch and Simons have worked with Homann to create an entirely original and unique piece of theatre. Homann says, "Our production is best described as a musical comedy – it's not the dramatic opera it once was." He adds, "We are not doing Verdi in any purist way, but we are paying homage to the original work by playing with it to create this entertaining and stripped down version of the original."

The highly theatrical staging makes use of hat-stands, cleverly chosen props, and a large roll of brown paper to create the world of the story. This includes a cheeky treatment of the famous Triumphal March where the two actors attempt to bring ancient Egypt onto stage.

AIDA ABRIDGED premiered on the Fringe at the National Arts Festival in 2018 where it delighted young and old audiences. The new production at Sandton’s Auto & General Theatre on the Square promises to delight music, theatre and comedy lovers.

The Herald Spotlight said: "This rejuvenated version of Verdi's opera is a true delight, with virtuoso performances by both leads."

COMING SOON

Annual Jazz & Blues Weekend 2019

1 - 3rd February

some of the finest South African and international exponents of jazz & blues

The ever popular ‘Jazz & Blues Weekend’ produced by Anthony Yoko of Jazz Concert SA, in association with Daphne Kuhn of Auto & General Theatre on the Square will be staged from Friday evening 1st February through to Sunday 3rd February 2019.

Apart from presenting some of the finest South African and international exponents of jazz & blues, the event also creates a platform to showcase young up-coming talent from various local music schools and institutions and this year it happens on the opening night, Friday 1st February, in a showcase concert titled ‘Students & all that jazz !

Then the master of ‘Boogie Woogie’ Silvan Zingg and His Trio take to the stage on Saturday evening 2nd February repeated on Sunday afternoon 3rd February with a rollicking set of Boogie, Blues, Jazz and Jive featuring Silvan Zingg Grand Piano, Marc Duby Double Bass, Tony Yoko Drums with special guests jazz singer Wendy Allen Twyford and saxophonist Phil Holder … a unique collaboration not to be missed !

COMING SOON

MICHAEL JONATHAN as MICHAEL JACKSON

5th – 10th February

Be a part of HISTORY as South Africa’s number one Michael Jackson impersonator turns up the volume at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square

Be a part of history as South Africa’s number one Michael Jackson impersonator turns up the volume at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square with his Poppswift team who will give an electrifying tribute to the King of Pop, in this new re-mastered production with iconic dance routines and memorable songs.

In the words of the legend himself “the greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work” and that is exactly what Michael Jonathan did. From a young age Michael Jonathan felt the magic of Michael Jackson and started mimicking his dance moves. His uncanny resemblance to the king of pop and perfected dance moves, earned him the title of the prince of pop and the worlds number one impersonator

Thirteen years ago, Michael moved to South Africa from France. He studied at the School of Arts in Pretoria, where he began his professional career. Eleven years ago, Michael Jonathan started his journey as a Michael Jackson impersonator, wowing audiences in many different tribute shows to the late king of pop.

Do you remember the time you first saw the moonwalk…? Capture the moment again with Michael Jonathan, as he takes you back in time with all the signature steps made famous by Michael Jackson. Along with his dynamic team of dancers they have perfected all the moves, easing you down memory lane. Experience the music and the magic from the exhilarating dance routines to songs such as Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, Remember the Time, Dirty Diana and many more.

This is more than a show – it is part of History.

Bookings for MICHAEL JACKSON - REMEMBER THE TIME are now open at Computicket (call 0861 915 800 or online www.computicket.com) or can be made by calling the theatre on 011 883-8606. There are group discounts for schools and special interest groups.

COMING SOON

Nik Rabinowitz in DRY WHITE

13th - 23rd February

Having recovered from his early-onset midlife crisis just in time for Cape Town to almost become the world’s first city to run out of water, stand-up comic NIK RABINOWITZ decided to explore the recent water crisis for his new show DRY WHITE

In Dry White, Nik Rabinowitz decided to explore the water crisis for his new show. Mostly because everyone thought the drought in Cape Town was going to last forever. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Now Nik will be forced to discuss other stuff too, which is a good thing because he feels like Jo'burgers didn't care thaaat much about the drought anyway. Some additional topics include: love, marriage, infidelity, transphobia, staying woke post forty, and whether the land should be given back. Just kidding, what white person wants to discuss that?! It’s gonna be a riot!

COMING SOON

TEASE

25th February – 16th March

TEASE!, a new stage show featuring South Africa’s ‘Queen of Comedy’, TUMI MORAKE and the original Cavewoman, VANESSA FROST

TEASE!, a new stage show featuring South Africa’s ‘Queen of Comedy’, TUMI MORAKE and the original Cavewoman, VANESSA FROST. Set in their suburban hair salon, Tease!, Vanessa and Tumi play best friends, Eva and Neo, stylists and ‘therapists’ to weekly regulars, offering the audience a glimpse into the familiar world of client-stylist relations - a veritable stream of conversation, ‘skinner’ and agony aunt-style relationship advice. In an unexpected personal and professional funk, Eva and Neo embark on a journey of self discovery. Armed with intimate client knowledge and a growing understanding of what women (and men) want…and need, our intrepid Tease! stylists launch a quiet, backroom business selling toys… of the adult persuasion.

With a healthy dose of self-deprecating funny and a whole lot of heart, versatile Tumi and Vanessa play all characters - from the elderly Muslim and Jewish women eager to sample new toys to the liberated sex class instructor and the sanctimonious housewife having a passionate affair with her *ahem* SpeedQueen! TEASE! will lighten your load, enlighten and entertain. It is a smart, refreshingly honest comedy with a potent message about sexual health and taking back personal pleasure, a journey of awakening and empowerment to demystify taboos and shrug off shame.

TWEETS

CONTACT

Nelson Mandela Square (formerly Sandton Square) adjoins Sandton City - just off Rivonia Rd. Entrances to the Square and the parking garage are in West Street and 5th Street, Sandown. Click here to view Google Maps.

PERFORMANCES

Tuesdays to Saturday, at 8:15pm

Saturdays at 6pm and 8:15pm

Show times may differ slightly - please contact the theatre to confirm show times - 011 883 8606

The ramped backstage entrance opens 15minutes before the show.

Please ensure you are at the theatre 15 minutes before the show.

Special show times can be arranged should you wish to book the whole theatre